OTTAWA - Tyler Ennis ignited a first-period run of three goals for the Ottawa Senators in a span of 2:55, a stretch from which the Sabres never recovered in a 5-0 loss at Canadian Tire Center on Tuesday.
Ennis also scored during the final minute of the third period to complete a hat trick. Tim Stutzle and Alex Formenton also scored goals for the Senators while Matt Murray made 32 saves for the shutout.
"I think we have a good start, we don't get one to go in, and they get one and it deflates the bench rather than give us some energy and, pardon my language, a little kick in the ass," forward Casey Mittelstadt, who returned from a 16-game absence, said.
"I think that's been one of the problems for a lot of the year. So, eventually it's got to turn. We've got to suck it up and start playing and you go to battle and get the next one back."
Sabres unable to answer 1st-period run in loss to Senators
Mittelstadt skates 16:52 in return to lineup
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